Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet is thrilled to present the World Premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale, based on the novel by Margaret Atwood. This bold adaptation by New York-based choreographer Lila York will bring one of Canada’s most acclaimed literary works to the stage. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet believes in celebrating Canadian artists across all genres, and looks forward to presenting this gripping tale to its loyal fan base, while generating a new audience of ballet lovers.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an enduring love story. Shakespeare’s beloved star-crossed romance is a timeless and exquisite masterpiece. Set to Prokofiev’s gorgeous score, against a sumptuous setting in 16th century Verona, the magnificence and grandeur of Rudi van Dantzig’s full-length production captivates with its riveting sword fights, compelling drama, and breathtaking classical choreography. Despite its tragic end, audiences will be swept away as they witness the unfolding of an unforgettable romance and an immortal tale between Juliet and her Romeo.

Choreographer Peter Quanz’s evening-length evocation of the torrid romance between famed artists Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel receives its Winnipeg premiere, performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. Set to a pastiche score of French and Russian composers, the impassioned artistry and neoclassical choreography beautifully depict the tumultuous and tragic love affair between the genius sculptors. As the narrative ballet unfurls, Les Grands Ballets’ gorgeous dancers decorate the stage, molded into familiar shapes of Rodin and Claudel sculptures.

The RWB closes the season with a mixed programme featuring three stunning Winnipeg premieres from the world’s leading contemporary ballet choreographers. The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude is William Forsythe’s affectionate homage to Petipa and Balanchine. Performed on pointe, the fast-paced, high energy work certainly lives up to its name, providing a breathtaking display of classical technique, precise footwork and courtly partnering.The Four Seasons, by James Kudelka, is a rich interpretation of the journey of life. Hailed by critics as a “modern masterpiece” and danced to Vivaldi’s four violin concertos, the ballet integrates brilliant ensemble work with virtuosic solos and breathtaking pas-de-deux. Winnipeg’s own Jorden Morris will create a new signature work, Défilé, in celebration of the connectivity of the RWB Company and the RWB School. Be prepared to see the entire organization on stage for a memorable performance not-to-be missed!

Get up close and personal with the fifth installation of the absorbing and adventurous Q DANCE. Created by internationally renowned choreographer Peter Quanz and featuring RWB company members, the wildly popular series brings an electric array of risk-taking short works to the intimate quarters of the Gas Station Arts Centre. The dynamic programme will explore the human experience through a mix of new works by a guest choreographer coupled with Quanz’s show-stopping Double Bounce, last seen at Lincoln Center in New York, it was also screened to an audience of five million at the 2012 Havana International Ballet Festival.